Rebuilding Gaza's Health Sector: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri on the Gaza Health Initiative

The Gaza Health Initiative (GHI) is a multinational coalition of healthcare and humanitarian organizations dedicated to supporting the people of Gaza. GHI's mission is focused on rebuilding Gaza’s health infrastructure, providing medical aid, and advocating for resources to address the ongoing health crisis. As part of our coverage, the Jordan News team sat down with Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri, a prominent member of the GHI Executive Committee, to discuss the initiative, its objectives, and the pressing health challenges in Gaza.

Dr. Al-Hammouri, can you tell us about the core mission of the Gaza Health Initiative?

The core mission of the Gaza Health Initiative is to rebuild and strengthen Gaza’s health sector, which has suffered immensely due to years of conflict and destruction. We aim to address immediate medical needs, coordinate humanitarian efforts, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Gaza’s health system. Our work focuses on several key areas, including providing medical aid, supporting medical education, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all our operations.

What are the immediate actions GHI is taking to address the medical crisis in Gaza?

One of our immediate priorities is providing essential medical supplies and support to hospitals in Gaza. We have already sent medical missions that have delivered life-saving aid, including premature baby formula, essential medical equipment, and clean water supplies. We are also working on evacuating severely injured patients, particularly children, who require urgent medical care that is not available in Gaza.

You mentioned medical education as one of the initiative’s key areas. Can you elaborate on GHI’s efforts in this field?

Yes, the destruction of Gaza’s universities has severely impacted medical education. GHI is working with universities in Jordan, Egypt, and Europe to provide virtual education and accreditation for Gazan medical students. We have secured tuition funding for over 500 students, and we are collaborating with institutions like the American University of Beirut to provide training and support for Gaza’s future healthcare professionals.

What are the long-term goals of GHI in terms of rebuilding Gaza’s health infrastructure?

Our long-term vision is to rebuild a sustainable health system in Gaza. This includes reconstructing hospitals, medical centers, and universities that were destroyed in the conflict. We are also focusing on rebuilding essential infrastructure such as clean water and electricity systems, which are critical for maintaining a functioning health sector. Our goal is not just to provide immediate relief but to ensure that Gaza has a robust health system that can withstand future challenges.

How can people and organizations support the Gaza Health Initiative?

There are several ways to support our efforts. Donations, both financial and in-kind, are critical to sustaining our operations. We are also looking for medical professionals who can volunteer for medical missions and help us provide much-needed care to the people of Gaza. Finally, spreading awareness about the situation in Gaza and advocating for more international support is crucial. The more people understand the scale of the crisis, the better positioned we will be to mobilize resources.

How is GHI addressing the mental health crisis among healthcare providers in Gaza?

Healthcare providers in Gaza are under immense psychological stress, dealing with trauma, exhaustion, and concerns for their own safety and that of their families. GHI has established mental health sessions, both pre- and post-deployment, to help build resilience among medical teams. These sessions are conducted by experts in trauma care, ensuring that healthcare professionals are better equipped to handle the challenges they face in such a high-stress environment.

Can you share any future initiatives or events that GHI is planning?

We are continuously working on efforts to rebuild Gaza’s health infrastructure. Following our recent international conference in February 2024, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, we are now focusing on actionable outcomes from the event. This includes strategic partnerships and funding initiatives aimed at strengthening Gaza’s healthcare system in the long term.

The Gaza Health Initiative is a beacon of hope for a region in desperate need of medical aid and infrastructure rebuilding. Dr. Al-Hammouri’s insights highlight the critical work being done by GHI and the importance of global collaboration in supporting Gaza’s health sector. As the initiative moves forward, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in restoring health services and providing a sustainable future for the people of Gaza.

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